Lorain County Community College scores $1.5 million for remodeling Physical Science Building

ELYRIA — More than $1.54 million in state money will help pay for renovation of the Physical Science Building at Lorain County Community College.
Meanwhile, LCCC has started its new fiscal year with fewer employees due to academic restructuring.
State Sen. Gayle Manning, R-North Ridgeville, and Rep. Matt Lundy, D-Elyria, announced the $1,549,625 on July 14.
The money will pay for creation of a new Math Lab, which now is referred to as the Math Studio.
LCCC tutoring data shows a need for dedicated math tutoring, as mathematics comprises 48 percent of all tutoring. The new Math Lab will allow the needed space for both group and individualized tutoring.
“This renovation project is just one more example of LCCC’s continued commitment to preparing its students for success in Ohio’s dynamic workforce,” Manning said.
The old physics area located on the first floor of the building, is being renovated to become four, 30-seat classrooms.
“We know from our area employers that math and science skills are in-demand for today’s jobs, and this grant will allow LCCC to further develop quality programming for its students with a focus on these skills,” Manning said.
Other funding will go to support the design, engineering, technology and refreshing of other classrooms within the building. The majority of the project, including the creation of the Math Studio and renovation of classrooms, is expected to be completed by spring of 2015, Lundy said.
“LCCC continues to prepare our students for jobs of the future,” he said. “Strong math skills are critical to competing in the changing jobs market, and mastering math always helps with critical thinking for life.”
LCCC on July 1 began its new fiscal year with a reorganized academic structure, changing from eight to five academic divisions.
“The new academic structure is more reflective of higher education today rather than the former structure, which had been in place for nearly three decades,” said a statement from Tracy Green, LCCC’s vice president for strategic and institutional development.
The changes included cutting three academic deans and six support staff, and LCCC also was discontinuing 13 positions as of July 1.
Each year, the college assesses all contracts and associated funding sources, especially of temporary positions as a part of its standard budgeting process, Green said.
The additional job cuts included eight temporary positions that were not part of the permanent staffing table of LCCC. The college also did not renew two positions due to changes in funding sources or restructuring of the service delivery, and another three positions were not renewed following retirements, Green said.